Suriname police seize firearms and arrest miners in Sarakreek

A three-day joint operation by the Suriname National Army and the Regio Midden police has resulted in the arrest of four suspected illegal gold miners and the seizure of ten firearms in the Sarakreek region. The crackdown aimed to dismantle and evacuate several illegal gold mining settlements after occupants ignored a formal summons to vacate the area seven weeks ago.

The seized weaponry includes two AR-15 shoulder weapons, five single-shot firearms, a five-shot hunting rifle, a Glock pistol, and a Roni conversion system. Authorities are currently investigating the origin and legal status of these weapons.

Among those detained are individuals of Brazilian and Chinese nationality. Preliminary investigations suggest that foreign miners were receiving assistance from local Surinamese citizens in exchange for a portion of the gold proceeds. The suspects have been detained following consultation with the Public Prosecutor's Office, and investigations into the illegal mining activities and the source of the weapons are ongoing.